CAP urges action over erosion, pollution at Penang beach

BAYAN LEPAS: A consumer watchdog has called for urgent action over coastal erosion and marine pollution impacting Tanjung Asam beach on Penang Island. Mohideen Abdul Kader, president of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), announced the results of a recent survey revealing significant alterations to the beach in recent times.

These changes include toppled trees, damaged shelters, and increasingly polluted seawater. The once-pristine beach, renowned for its clear waters and white sand, now suffers from polluted seawater and blackened sand. Strong waves and rising sea levels have amplified the issue, with seawater now reaching the main public access road.

Mohideen implored the Penang government, Penang Island City Council, and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of the erosion, suggesting a possible link to a nearby land reclamation project. This project could have altered sea currents, causing waves to surge back towards the Tanjung Asam coastline.

CAP is particularly concerned that if this problem is traced back to the land reclamation project, it could lead to further environmental degradation in the future if left unaddressed. CAP urged the state government to make the findings of the investigations and studies public, as well as disclose the measures being taken to tackle the erosion and pollution.

Coastal erosion has been damaging the beach, a fishing village on Penang Island's southwestern coast, with parts of its shoreline defense and public facilities at risk.